Poland experienced stubborn inflation in the first quarter of 2023 and the economic outlook for the rest of the year is mixed. Weak domestic demand is a drag on the economy. There are downturns in various industries, including furniture and metal production, as well as exports. Experts predict that Poland, which is accustomed to robust growth, will see its GDP expand this year by 1 per cent at most, since there are still enormous uncertainties as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Surveys show that the sentiment at companies is at its lowest ebb since the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. At the start of spring 2023, many paper and board industry representatives as well as their customers are predominantly pessimistic in light of the economic and political risks. There are still surpluses throughout the supply chains and demand has not yet picked up. The economic slowdown in Europe is worrying for market participants and there are no indications that demand for paper and board will rebound considerably before early summer or even July. Consequently, prices are falling in all segments....
